SYNOPSIS:
Tom
Hanks gives one of the towering screen performances of all time as Chuck
Noland, a FedEx systems engineer whose ruled-by-the-clock existence abruptly
ends when a harrowing plane crash leaves him isolated on a remote island.
As Chuck struggles to survive, he finds that his own personal journey has
only just begun…
MOVIE
REVIEW :
The
flawless collaboration of the ever Oscar worthy Tom Hanks and Director Robert
Zemeckis in the timeless drama, “Forrest Gump” (1994), reunited
with this thoughts wrenching journey, into FedEx system engineer, Chuck
Noland’s physical and mental limits. Chuck (Tom Hanks) fanatic-paced
career that requires him to travel to different distribution center around
the globe, leaves him with no time to manage his personal stuff like seeing
a dentist for a bad toothache or spending Christmas with his girlfriend,
Kelly (Helen Hunt). The manic routine continues until Mother Nature crashes
the FedEx’s cargo plane into the Pacific Ocean, with Chuck onboard.
Fortunately, Chuck survived the crash landing. The unfortunate thing is
he had helplessly floated to a remote island cast away into the most isolated
environment that one could ever imagine.
Nothing
you saw on reality TV series “Survivor” is on par with the experiences
of Chuck. Without the long neglected everyday life basic conveniences like
fire, water and shelter, Chuck is forced to learn, in a painful fashion,
the skills of survival. He has to cure his thirst by trying to break the
coconut husks using stones and satisfy his hunger by fishing without a fishing
rod. For those who had tried starting a fire by rubbing two twigs together
may empathies Chuck’s frustration when the gesture is not as simple
as what was shown on “Discovery Channel”.
Keeping
himself alive on the island, where hope of being rescue seem far stretched,
have however given him all the time in the World to think about the meaning
of living. Like Chuck, the majority of us are guilty of neglecting the bare
basics around us. Ever felt blessed that you always have nice hot food on
the dinning table? Or are you appreciative that there are ice cubes in your
glass of coke? Or have you wonder how
difficult it is without the “torch” gun or matchsticks to light
up your stove? Or how inconvenient things may be without fresh drinking
water available in your flat? Here, Robert Zemeckis detailed narration of
Chuck’s extreme and deprived situation to meet his daily needs on
a deserted island had succeeded in enabling audience to deduce, on their
own experience, what’s truly matter in life. Tom Hanks on the other
hand truly deserve all thumbs up on his performance that makes him one of
those rare Hollywood actors capable of pulling off a “solo”
performance.
SPECIAL
FEATURES :
Similar
to most code 3 releases, the almost zilch in special features is consider
the norm
AUDIO:
The
DVD features English and Thai 5.1 surround sound with the option of viewing
the movie in English or Thai language. I confirmed that it has nothing to
do with my speaker’s settings; the conversation is too soft as compared
to the background music. To those who are uncomfortable with the silence
(since only Tom Hanks is in most of the scenes), you may be relieved that
by turning on the Director’s commentary, Director Robert Zemeckis
will present his views throughout the movie.
VISUAL:
Although
the island, which Chuck was trapped, looks merciless and lifeless, you could
not neglect the beautiful surroundings, which liven up the visual enjoyment
of this movie. Unfortunately, that does not compensate for the numerous
halt and “mosaic” vision spotted in some parts of the movie.
THAT'S
ALL FOLKS!:
“Cast
Away” may not be the best from the dynamic duo (Tom Hanks and Robert
Zemeckis), but it's non-typical Hollywood treatment and the underlying message
of the brutality of survival versus significance of living is powerful and
memorable, making it a very worthy watch.
MOVIE
RATING:A-
DVD RATING: C
Review by Leosen Teo
